The Terrier du Yorkshire Complete is a breed that's steeped in history and tradition. Originally bred in the 19th century to hunt small game, the Terrier du Yorkshire is a feisty and energetic companion.
These dogs were bred to be fearless and tenacious, with a strong prey drive that still exists today. They're naturally suspicious of strangers and can be wary of other pets.
In terms of size, the Terrier du Yorkshire is a relatively small breed, weighing between 7-10 kg and standing between 23-25 cm tall at the shoulder.
A fresh viewpoint: Game Bred American Pit Bull Terrier
Breed History and Characteristics
The Yorkshire Terrier breed has a rich history that spans over a century. The breed originated in Yorkshire, England, in the mid-nineteenth century.
Workers from Scotland brought various terrier breeds to Yorkshire, where they were bred with other terriers to create the Yorkshire Terrier. The breed was "principally accomplished by the people – mostly operatives in cotton and woollen mills – in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire."
A key figure in the development of the breed was a dog named Huddersfield Ben, a popular show dog in the late 1860s who defined the breed type for the Yorkshire Terrier.
Notable
Yorkshire Terriers have made a name for themselves in the world of dog shows, with some remarkable achievements. In 1997, Champion Ozmilion Mystification became the first Yorkie to win Best in Show at Crufts, the world's largest annual dog show.
Yorkies have also shown their adaptability and bravery in various roles. Smoky, a war dog and hero of World War II, was owned by William Wynne of Cleveland, Ohio, and was adopted while he was serving with the 5th Air Force in the Pacific.
One notable Yorkie that lived in the White House was Pasha, the pet of Tricia Nixon Cox during Richard Nixon's presidency.
Some of the most interesting facts about Yorkshire Terriers include their small stature and big personalities. Here are some notable Yorkies:
- Champion Ozmilion Mystification: The first Yorkie to win Best in Show at Crufts in 1997.
- Smoky: A war dog and hero of World War II, adopted by William Wynne while serving with the 5th Air Force in the Pacific.
- Pasha: The pet Yorkie of Tricia Nixon Cox during Richard Nixon's presidency.
- Sylvia: A matchbox-sized Yorkshire Terrier that stood 2+1⁄2 in (6.4 cm) tall at the shoulder and weighed 4 oz (110 g) at the time of her death in 1945.
History
The Yorkshire Terrier originated in Yorkshire, England, and its history is a fascinating one. The breed was developed by workers from Scotland who brought their terrier dogs with them to Yorkshire in search of work.
These workers, mostly operatives in cotton and woollen mills, bred the dogs to create a ratting terrier. The breed was "principally accomplished by the people – mostly operatives in cotton and woollen mills – in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire."
The earliest Yorkshire Terriers were bred from Scotch Terriers, Paisley Terriers, and other terrier breeds, including the Clydesdale Terrier. A dog named Old Crab, a female named Kitty, and another female whose name is not known, were among the first dogs used in the breed's development.
The Paisley Terrier, a smaller version of the Skye Terrier, also figured into the early dogs, and some authorities believed that the Maltese was used as well. The breed was originally shown as a "Rough and Broken-coated, Broken-haired Scotch and Yorkshire Terriers" category at dog shows.
In the late 1860s, a popular Paisley-type Yorkshire Terrier show dog named Huddersfield Ben, owned by Mary Ann Foster, defined the breed type for the Yorkshire Terrier. He was a show dog and is considered to be the father of the modern Yorkshire Terrier.
The first Yorkshire Terrier was shown in a bench show as a "broken-haired Scotch Terrier" in 1861.
Expand your knowledge: Shih Tzu Puppy First Haircut
Size
Yorkshire Terriers are a small breed, and their size can vary significantly. They should be around 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder.
Their weight is also a concern, as they should not weigh more than seven pounds, with four to six pounds being the preferred range.
It's not uncommon for a litter to have dogs of vastly different sizes, with some weighing less than four pounds and others growing to 12 to 15 pounds.
Beware of breeders who claim to have "teacup" Yorkshire Terriers, as these dogs are prone to genetic disorders and are at a higher health risk.
Huddersfield Ben
Huddersfield Ben was a Yorkshire Terrier whose portrait was painted by George Earl. He was considered the best stud dog of his breed during his lifetime.
Huddersfield Ben was one of the most remarkable dogs of any pet breed that ever lived. His show-winning status helped establish him as a breed standard.
His puppies played a significant role in defining the Yorkshire Terrier breed. Through his offspring, Huddersfield Ben helped shape the breed's characteristics.
Huddersfield Ben is still referred to as the "father of the breed".
Health and Care
Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap shifts out of alignment, can cause hind-leg "skipping" in very small breeds like the Yorkie.
They also require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long coats. Daily combing and biweekly bathing are essential to keep their coat in good condition.
Yorkies are sensitive to extreme temperatures and don't tolerate heat or cold well, making it essential to provide a comfortable living space for them.
Health
The health of your Yorkshire Terrier is a top priority. The good news is that they are a robust and long-lived breed.
However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Some of the most common problems you may encounter include joint issues such as luxation of the kneecap, congenital elbow luxation, hemivertebra, and Legg-Perthes-Calvé disease.
Problems with the eyes are also a concern. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify any potential issues early on.
Consider reading: English Bulldog Rash
A shunt porto-cave is another potential health issue that can affect Yorkshire Terriers. This condition can lead to a range of symptoms, including lethargy and loss of appetite.
Persistance of the carotid artery is a relatively rare condition that can cause a range of problems, including difficulty breathing and swallowing.
Hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, is a serious condition that can affect Yorkshire Terriers. It's essential to work closely with a veterinarian to monitor your dog's health and catch any potential issues early.
Here are some of the most common health issues that can affect Yorkshire Terriers:
- Luxation of the kneecap
- Congenital elbow luxation
- Hemivertebra
- Legg-Perthes-Calvé disease
- Shunt porto-cave
- Persistance of the carotid artery
- Hydrocephalus
Care
Yorkshire Terriers are highly energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They can get enough exercise with a small yard or even a daily walk in an apartment.
Their exercise needs can be met with short play sessions and daily walks, making them suitable for apartment living. However, they do prefer temperate weather and may not tolerate extreme heat or cold well.
If this caught your attention, see: Shiba Inu for Apartment
Yorkshire Terriers love to play games and chase balls, but they may not always return them. They also enjoy participating in canine sports like obedience, agility, and barn hunt.
Their small size makes them vulnerable to larger dogs and wild predators, so owners must be vigilant about removing any dangers, such as heavy items that could fall on the dog.
Feeding
Feeding your Yorkshire Terrier is crucial for maintaining their overall health and well-being.
The recommended daily amount is 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
A highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog, so it's essential to consider your Yorkie's activity level when determining their food intake.
The quality of dog food also makes a difference - the better the food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog, and the less of it you'll need to feed.
For more insights, see: Will Shiba Inu Hit $1
It's easy to overfeed your Yorkie, so take care to measure their food and feed them twice a day rather than leaving food out.
You should be able to see a waist when looking at your Yorkie, and with your hands on their back, you should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard.
If you can't feel their ribs, they need less food and more exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Yorkshire Terrier a good house dog?
Yorkshire Terriers are ideal indoor dogs due to their small size, low shedding coat, and moderate exercise needs. They make excellent companions for apartment living and older adults
What's the difference between a Yorkie and a Yorkshire Terrier?
There is no difference between a Yorkie and a Yorkshire Terrier, as "Yorkie" is a common nickname for the breed. The full name, Yorkshire Terrier, is its official and scientific name.
Are Yorkshire Terriers cuddly?
Yorkshire Terriers are affectionate companions that thrive on human interaction and love to cuddle. They form strong bonds with their owners, often showering them with extra affection and attention.
Why are Yorkshire Terriers so expensive?
Yorkshire Terriers can be pricey due to factors like strong pedigree, age, and rare coat colors. Prices average around $1050, but can vary depending on individual characteristics.
Sources
- Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) Dog Breed Information (dogtime.com)
- Moulin de la Haute Brosse | Le caractère du yorkshire terrier (yorkshire.fr)
- Le Yorkshire terrier (noovomoi.ca)
- standard (fci.be)
- "Toy Breed Hypoglycemia" (veterinarypartner.com)
- "Breed Predisposition to Disease and Congenital Conditions" (petdoc.ws)
- "Official Standard of the Yorkshire Terrier" (theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org)
- "Coat Color Genetics - Brown Locus" (mcf.com)
- "Yorkshire Terrier" (netpets.com)
- "Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) Dog Breed Information" (akc.org)
- "Yorkies Have Their Year! Tiny Toy Overtakes Venerable Favorites - Golden Retriever and German Shepherd - as Second Most Popular Dog in America" (akc.org)
- "Yorkshire Terrier History" (wordofpoochs.blogspot.com)
- Yorkshire Terrier (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Edit this at Wikidata (wikidata.org)
- Vetstreet - Yorkshire Terrier (vetstreet.com)
- WebMD - What to Know About Yorkshire Terriers (webmd.com)
- Dog Breed Info Center - Yorkshire Terrier (dogbreedinfo.com)
- American Kennel Club - Yorkshire Terrier (akc.org)
- The Kennel Club - Yorkshire Terrier (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- United Kennel Club - Yorkshire Terrier (ukcdogs.com)
- PetMD - Yorkshire Terrier (petmd.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com